McKenna could sign Ipswich’s next Leif Davis with swoop for “swashbuckling” star – opinion.
As much as supporters of Suffolk Town will enjoy getting hung up on the millions the club is now spending to sign elite new players for the Premier League, they also understand that there are a lot of outstanding players already in Suffolk who should have a chance to play in the top division.
Leif Davis is undoubtedly in the latter category; during the previous season, he tore apart Championship defences aside from left-back on his path to an incredible promotion.
In an attempt to revitalise his faltering career, Kieran McKenna may use Davis’s success story—he was once a rejected product of Leeds United’s academy—as justification to pursue an out-of-sorts target.
Ipswich may target the departing Spurs defender
John Wenham, a contributor to the Lilywhite Rose podcast, claims that Ipswich may be among the clubs that eventually express interest in Spurs defender Djed Spence. Spence was formerly on loan at Nottingham Forest, but he was passed over for a permanent move to Genoa.
Wenham expressed his suspicion that Premier League interest in the 23-year-old would materialise shortly. The player has been struggling to establish himself in North London since his arrival in 2022, having gone on three disastrous loan stints from Ange Postecoglou’s team.
How Spence could be Ipswich’s next Davis
Spence played only seven games on loan from Leeds United last season and was let to go early due to his lack of success. However, Ipswich has been able to transform undesired West Yorkshire players into outstanding jewels when they move down to Suffolk, with Davis serving as the primary shining example.
The forgotten 23-year-old could shine if given time to adjust and settle at Portman Road. Like Davis, he was once a fan favourite at Forest and was a dangerous and expansive full-back option. However, Ipswich is also arguably light at right-back, as evidenced by Ben Johnson joining McKenna’s group down this flank to add numbers.
Spence is not hesitant to participate in several attacks for his team, as demonstrated by the magnificent strike from his successful tenure at the City Ground. This would ideally compliment his teammate down the left in Davis.
During his time at Forest, Spence recorded three goals and five assists from 46 games. This is a far cry from the dismal play he had after being sent out on loan, as he failed to contribute any goals at all while playing for Genoa, Rennes, or Leeds.
Looking at the table above, which compares both of their peaks in the Championship, it is clear that Spence’s attack of five assists is far below Davis’ astonishing 21.
But, having kept ten more clean sheets in 42 league games for Forest than Davis and surpassing Davis in terms of duels won, Spence might also provide some defensive steel to a porous Tractor Boys team in the Premier League.
The way the on-the-fringes Spurs defender plays, dubbed by Arsenal great Ian Wright as a “swashbuckling” presence, will also have peaked Ipswich’s curiosity. McKenna may now be discovering his next gem in the rough.
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